“I’m wearing cook’s pants,” Amah Ayivi says, pointing at his slender checkered trousers. Earlier in the morning, they caused some confusion at the bakery where he buys his morning croissant. He laughs at the memory. Whether in partial chef uniform or not, Ayivi attracts attention. Even now, while seated in a Parisian café just down the street from his showroom, three people and a dog greet him warmly within an hour. Today, paired with his trousers are a slim white T-shirt, a gray-and-white hat and plastic jellies. He has a vast assortment of silver rings on all fingers, including one that declares ART COMES FIRST (from the eponymous brand), several from Morocco and Niger plus a woman’s ring by American jeweler Ginette that lives on his pinky. His style reveals his sense of limitlessness. “People have this idée arrêtée”—fixed idea, ” he says. “For me, you can wear whatever you This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty Buy Now Related Stories Fashion Issue 14 Coloring the Gray The foundations for a winter wardrobe begin with cool neutrals, but adding bursts of color can enliven even the coldest of days. Arts & Culture Entrepreneur Issue 22 On Procrastination If good things come to those who wait, what happens to those who keep others waiting? A slightly overdue defense of procrastination. Entrepreneur Fashion Issue 22 Occupational Hazards A uniform has the power to command something of its wearer and, in turn, from the world. Fashion Issue 22 Charlie Casely-Hayford Fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford muses on the double-edged sword that is ambition. Design Issue 22 Janina Pedan Set designer Janina Pedan discusses personality clashes in the workplace. Arts & Culture Entrepreneur Issue 22 Tips: Business Cards and Hiring Some professional gestures may seem ephemeral, but can be leveraged to have lasting impact.
Fashion Issue 14 Coloring the Gray The foundations for a winter wardrobe begin with cool neutrals, but adding bursts of color can enliven even the coldest of days.
Arts & Culture Entrepreneur Issue 22 On Procrastination If good things come to those who wait, what happens to those who keep others waiting? A slightly overdue defense of procrastination.
Entrepreneur Fashion Issue 22 Occupational Hazards A uniform has the power to command something of its wearer and, in turn, from the world.
Fashion Issue 22 Charlie Casely-Hayford Fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford muses on the double-edged sword that is ambition.
Design Issue 22 Janina Pedan Set designer Janina Pedan discusses personality clashes in the workplace.
Arts & Culture Entrepreneur Issue 22 Tips: Business Cards and Hiring Some professional gestures may seem ephemeral, but can be leveraged to have lasting impact.